This page covers 3 recalls, 30 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Volkswagen Touareg.
19–23 mpg combined
10.2–12.4 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
Fuel and propulsion system complaints lead the 2013 Touareg owner reports, with several describing exhaust separation at the connection between the catalytic converter and the manifold flange, a failure owners say results in a costly repair. Steering complaints make up the second-largest named group, though the specifics vary across reports. Engine-related issues round out the top three. Outside those primary systems, a handful of owners report sunroof problems, including spontaneous glass shattering while driving at highway speed and drainage failures that allow water to collect in the trunk's spare tire well. One report describes a driver's seatbelt buckle that appeared engaged but released unexpectedly under load, with the issue reportedly resolving after the buckle was replaced.
30
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2013 Volkswagen Touareg has 3 recalls, the most serious being a brake pedal that can physically detach while driving, leaving the driver with no way to slow or stop the vehicle.
A missing securing clip on the brake pedal pivot pin allows the pin to shift out of position, causing the pedal to dislodge entirely. This recall also affects Hybrid models: water can pool in the high-voltage battery tray rather than draining away, and if enough collects, it can cause an electrical short inside the battery pack that raises the risk of fire. That hybrid battery fire risk is worth noting for Hybrid trim owners in particular, since it affects a separate system from the brake concern. The third recall is a compliance matter involving vehicles that passed through an internal evaluation period and may not fully meet regulatory requirements, which carries a general but unspecified risk of crash, fire, or injury.
At a glance
What can fail
Modifications made during an internal evaluation period may have left these vehicles not fully compliant with applicable regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair vehicles to restore full compliance or Volkswagen will repurchase them at no cost to you.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal pivot pin may lack a securing clip, allowing the pin to shift and the brake pedal to come loose.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly and install any missing securing clips at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water may not drain properly from the hybrid battery tray, allowing water to collect and cause an electrical short in the high voltage battery.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a fitted drain valve to allow water to drain properly from the hybrid battery tray.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
